Clive Davis defends Kelly Clarkson portrayal

Clive Davis has taken to his Twitter account to respond to Kelly Clarkson's critique of his memoir.

Davis has issued a statement responding to Clarkson's claims that the record label executive, who signed Clarkson to RCA records, distorted their tumultuous history in his just-released memoir, The Soundtrack of My Life.

To recap: The American Idol alum took to her blog yesterday and came out swinging at Davis, 80, accusing him of "spreading false information about me and my music" and declaring that she refuses "to be bullied".

"So I just heard Clive Davis is releasing a memoir and spreading false information about me and my music," she wrote in an open letter. "I just have to clear up his memory lapses and misinformation for myself and for my fans. It feels like a violation. Growing up is awesome because you learn you don't have to cower to anyone - even Clive Davis."

According to The Hollywood Reporter (which details several passages from the memoir), Davis writes that Clarkson cried hysterically in his office after he insisted that megahit Since U Been Gone be included on her 2004 album Breakaway. According to Davis, Clarkson "really" wanted the track to be excluded from the album.

Clarkson refutes Davis's claim that she "burst into hysterical sobbing" over the track.

"Not true at all. His stories and songs are mixed up," Clarkson wrote. "I did want more guitars added to the original demo and Clive did not. [Producers Max Martin and Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald] and I still fought for the bigger sound and we prevailed and I couldn't be more proud of the life of that song. I resent him dampening that song in any way."

She went further, explaining that she did shed tears, but over Because of You, a track she says she wrote about her life. According to the songbird, Davis "hated" it.

"I cried because he hated it and told me verbatim that I was a 'sh***y writer who should be grateful for the gifts that he bestows upon me.' He continued on about how the song didn't rhyme and how I should just shut up and sing. This was devastating coming from a man who I, as a young girl, considered a musical hero and was so honoured to work with," she maintained.

"But I continued to fight for the song and the label relented. And it became a worldwide hit. He didn't include that in the book," she added.

Clarkson also detailed the fallout over her third album, My December.

"He also goes on to say My December wasn't successful because I co-penned the album and it didn't have 'pop hits'. Well, first let me say, I've co-penned many of my 'pop hits.' Secondly, My December went platinum (It sold 20,000 less than All I Ever Wanted which followed My December.) Hardly a huge failure. Never Again, the ONLY single they released in the US from that record was a Top 10 hit," she wrote.

She continued: "What's most interesting about his story is what he leaves out: He doesn't mention how he stood up in front of his company at a convention and belittled me and my music and completely sabotaged the entire project.

"It never had a chance to reach its full potential. My December was an album I needed to make for myself for many reasons and the fact that I was so completely disregarded and disrespected was so disheartening, there really aren't words to explain."

Clarkson, who is engaged to music manager Brandon Blackstock, concluded by writing: "I love my job. I love my music. I love my fans. I love my label and all of my professional relationships... now. And I am grateful for Clive for teaching me to know the difference."

"As anyone who has read The Soundtrack of My Life knows, I think Kelly Clarkson is a tremendous vocal talent and performer," he wrote. "In the book, I provide an in-depth look at our years together during which we shared major multi-platinum success, as well as a few creative differences."

He added: "I am truly very sorry that she has decided to take issue with what I know to be an accurate depiction of our time together. Before the book was published, I had every fact checked with five independent individuals who were present on a daily basis throughout it all. The chapter as it is written was thoroughly verified by each and every one of them.

"I stand by the chapter as written in my book. At the same time I wish, and will always wish, Kelly's talent and her career to soar to ever new heights," he concluded.

It's not the first time the pair has sparred publicly.

In 2007, when Clarkson took creative control for the album My December, she was quoted by the press as saying that she was "not a fan" of the music executive.

She then spoke out to clear up rumours about their rocky relationship.

"A lot has been made in the press about my relationship with Clive. Much of this has been blown way out of proportion and taken out of context," she said in a statement.

"Contrary to recent characterisations in the press, I'm well aware that Clive is one of the great record men of all time. He has been a key advisor and has been an important force in my success to date. He has also given me respect by releasing my new album when he was not obligated to do so.

"I really regret how everything has turned out and I apologise to those whom I have done disservice."